Eight Minutes on the Pitch Before a Layoff
Konstantinos Karetsas lasted exactly eight minutes.
The 18-year-old playmaker entered Borussia Dortmund’s scoreless draw against Union Berlin in the 61st minute on Saturday, October 18, 2026. By the 69th minute, he was leaving the pitch supported by medical staff. The right ankle injury leaves the young midfielder facing a potential absence; Dortmund is currently awaiting a precise diagnosis to determine how long he will be out.
Controversial Throw-In and the Duel With Rani Khedira
The sequence that ended the teenager’s afternoon began with a disputed throw-in decision. It was reported that a controversial throw-in was awarded to Union Berlin. Out of that decision, Karetsas contested a ball near his own penalty area with Union midfielder Rani Khedira.
His ankle twisted awkwardly. Then it took an additional contact blow.
Teammate Waldemar Anton described the incident by noting that the young offensive player buckled before receiving a strike to the foot. Sportdirektor Ole Book expressed frustration over the sequence, stating that the entire situation should never have developed from that initial decision.
Waiting on Definitive Scans in Dortmund
Immediate post-match assessments offered no final clarity on the extent of the injury. BVB coach Niko Kovac confirmed that the 18-year-old limped away from the pitch supported by medical staff and admitted that the player has endured a difficult start since arriving at the club. Further examinations are planned to determine the extent of the injury.
A Troubled Start and a Prior Circulatory Collapse
The latest setback compounds a troubled start for the midfielder. In September, Karetsas suffered a circulatory collapse during a fixture against Villarreal, which required him to leave the pitch on a stretcher and undergo hospital observation. Subsequent medical tests revealed no abnormalities.
Intense Travel Schedule and a Third Winless Match
The injury follows the team’s third winless match in a row. Waldemar Anton attempted to downplay the situation, calling the run a small experience that we are currently making together.
The squad now faces an intense logistical turnaround. The team previously played in Norway near the Arctic Circle before traveling to Berlin, and they are preparing for an upcoming fixture against Sabah FK in Azerbaijan, where temperatures exceed 20 degrees Celsius.
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